Is WFTV Channel 9, Showing Racial Bias By Denying Pam Keith A Place On The Stage?

By Attorney Pam Keith (Pam Keith is a candidate for US Senate)Here is the skinny on the debates:

WFTV Channel 9, in Orlando is televising a debate the second week of August. We have been informed that the station "reached agreement" with Murphy and Grayson to keep me out of the debate. As far as we can tell, it's the only debate Murphy has agreed to. The decision was not based on polling, as I am polling above 10% and neither opponent is polling above 30%. This is particularly important as more than 30% of voters remain undecided and are likely to make up their minds based on the debates and Editorial Board endorsements.

To say that I am deeply offended would be an understatement. There is no doubt that Murphy and Grayson are well aware of my public speaking skills. I upstaged both of them at the Florida Democratic Party Convention in Orlando last October, as noted by the Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times. While the decision to limit the debate to just them was obviously aimed at me, the decision is an utter and irredeemable disrespect to all voters, and to African American and women voters in particular. Patrick Murphy has been exposed as disingenuous and untruthful. Alan Grayson is now dealing with yet another incident of confrontational behavior, as well as allegations of spousal abuse. Democratic voters ought to be informed that they have a choice other than these two men.

But no matter the issues with Grayson and Murphy, the bottom line is this: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD WHITE MALE CANDIDATES BE ALLOWED TO EXCLUDE THE ONLY WOMAN, AND ALL CANDIDATES OF COLOR, FROM THE DEBATES. This immoral act flies in the face of the values that our party portends to espouse. That Channel 9 Orlando would participate in such a BLATANTLY RACIST AND SEXIST act boggles the mind. Such decisions not only serve to keep voters ignorant of their choices, but also discourage minorities and women of color from running for high office IN THE FIRST PLACE.

If you are as outraged as I am about this decision, please let your voice be heard. Channel 9 Orlando is a Cox Media affiliate.